PRIMARY PRODUCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23369, 8 December 1937, Page 7

PRIMARY PRODUCE

MARKETING BILL DISCUSSED GOVERNMENT CONTROL IMPRACTICABLE DECISION BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The provisions of the Primary Products Marketing Bill were briefly discussed at a meeting of the Council of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce last night. The following resolution was carried: — " That this chamber expresses its concern at the provisions in the Primary Products Marketing Amendment Bill now before Parliament. The legislation can only mean that the Government intends to control the internal marketing of certain foodstuffs such as dairy produce, eggs, honey, fruit, potatoes, onions, bacon, etc.; to fix the wholesale and retail prices of such foodstuffs and generally to direct the marketing of such produce from the time it leaves the hand of-the producer until reaching the consumer. "Theßill provides for the setting up of elaborate machinery for such marketing, including the appointment of several officials^:to be styled ' Directors of /particular sections,' together with ;their' ; respective staffs. Such a procedure will prove costly and, in the opinion of this chamber, it is doubtful if the industries concerned will reap benefits commensurate with the cost of the working of such schemes. It has also to be borne in mind that the Government hasi already adopted the principle 'of fixing wages and other conditions governing labour in and Govern-ment-controlled industry. Previous experience has shown that costs of production advance immediately Government takes control.

"In the opinion of this chamber Government control of the majority of the foodstuffs mentioned above is impracticable. The marketing of soft fruits and other foodstuffs which, owing to climatic conditions, have at times to be rushed on to the market, presents peculiar difficulties, and for this reason is safer in the s hands of private enterprise, directed by officers unrestricted with redtape and other handicaps. "We are also of opinion, that the marketing of foodstuffs, such as those enumerated above, is safer in the hands of legitimate wholesalers I and producers' organisations; and that, by and large, the law of supply and demand should guide production and distribution. The Government dannot create fresh markets in New Zealand for these products, and it is doubtful if it can convey them to the consumers more economically than through existing channels. It would appear therefore that the country ; is to be saddled with expenj sive machinery without the gain of | any commensurate advantage. j " This chamber is also alarmed at . this fresh evidence of Government encroachment on private enterprise, and considers that a grave disservice will be done to the community if individual effort is robbed of its initiative and also of a personal interest in producing and .marketing."v-. *'■* '• ••